[mileagemax]

Originally Posted by fasteddie

All I can say is I am glad that I had a (correctly completed) IDP on me.

From what I've heard the Thai jails are overflowing with about:
- 99.00% local criminals
- 0.99% western paedophiles
- 0.01% westerners that didn't bother to take (or check) their IDP's

Not sure where you got that info from but I rely on the following info for driving a car in Thailand:

Hertz
Driver must have at least one year of driving experience at the time of rental and possess a current international driving licence or a current national driving licence which is translated into English. If the local driving licence is not in English, then an international driving licence has to be presented.

Budget
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of residence (with an English translation) or an international drivers permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving.

Avis
Renter must hold Driving License or International Driving License at least one year.


Hence, an International Driving Permit is optional for Australian License holders because our license is in English anyway.